Vanessa Ray & Will Estes Say One Man Is Why Fans Still Watch Blue Bloods—It’s Tom Selleck!

Blue Bloods Stars Agree: Tom Selleck Is the Heart of the Show

According to Blue Bloods stars Vanessa Ray and Will Estes, the key to the show’s lasting success is simple: Tom Selleck.

Selleck’s portrayal of NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan has anchored the CBS hit since its 2010 debut. His strong, principled leadership—both on-screen and off—has made him the undeniable backbone of the series. While the show follows multiple members of the Reagan family working across the criminal justice system, it’s Frank who remains the emotional and moral core, especially during the iconic family dinner scenes that highlight the show’s themes of loyalty, duty, and family.

In an interview with WFSB 3, reflecting on Season 9, Estes didn’t hesitate when asked what keeps fans coming back: “Tom Selleck,” he said immediately. Ray agreed with a laugh, adding that his presence shapes the tone of the entire series.

Estes praised Selleck’s deep commitment to the role and the production. “On and off the set, Tom is our leader,” he shared. “He’s always prepared and has an incredible grasp of character and story.” Despite his status as a TV legend, Selleck remains focused entirely on the work, a quality his co-stars deeply respect.

Ray and Estes both credit Selleck with raising the bar on set—not just through his acting, but through the lessons they’ve learned from watching him work. His decades of experience and professionalism have become a quiet force behind Blue Bloods’ continued popularity.

Simply put, Tom Selleck isn’t just a star of Blue Bloods—he is Blue Bloods.